“It’s a pleasure meeting you in such a different atmosphere,” Earl said. He’d brought four bottles of California Chardonnay. “I hope these will go with the dinner.”
“They’ll be perfect, Earl. Shelby told me you were a sommelier.”
“Well, not that high-end, but I worked in a five-star restaurant when I was in grad school, so I was taught how to un-cork and pour without spilling anything. The customer had to do his own choosing and tasting. I did make suggestions, though, and I do have my own favorites.”
“Where did you do your grad work?” Janet asked.
“Colburn, right here in L.A.”
“Isn’t that a hard school to get into?”
“Yes, but it’s free.” He looked around at everyone. “The restaurant tips paid most of my expenses. Of course, Shelby helped a lot, too.”
“Yes, I let him crash with me w
